View Full Version : Conduits - Electrical
bishmi
May 20, 2009, 01:57 PM
Can computer lines be run inside conduit with electrical lines? Are there any specific international electrical codes that specify such?
Perito
May 20, 2009, 02:07 PM
I don't think it meets code, and if it did, it would be a big mistake to run them alongside of electrical lines. Noise can couple (inductive coupling) between computer or other non-power lines. Trust me, you don't want to do it.
bishmi
May 20, 2009, 02:10 PM
Thank you very much. If I wanted to check to see if there are specific codes to what type of lines can be run together in conduits. What or where would you suggest I start at
Perito
May 20, 2009, 02:26 PM
If I wanted to check to see if there are specific codes to what type of lines can be run together in conduits, where would you suggest I start?
The National Electric Code is the place to look for information on that. The Electrical & Lighting forum is the place to post the question. There are several people who watch the site who know the National Electric Code very well.
Electrical & Lighting - Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electrical-lighting/)
Although they know the code, occasionally they're somewhat arrogant and they don't seem to like "non-professionals" like me to answer questions there. Nevertheless, they do know their stuff.
There's also a post specifically about where to locate the National Electric Code by guy who goes by "KeepItSimpleStupid". (He's not one of the arrogant guys.)
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electrical-lighting/reading-nfpa-70-etc-national-electric-code-online-270277.html
bishmi
May 20, 2009, 02:33 PM
Thanks a lot for the info. You're the best. I always say knowledge shared is knowledge used. I will try the other options. Have a great weekend.
chuckhole
May 21, 2009, 05:06 AM
Thanks alot for the info. You're the best. I always say knowledge shared is knowledge used. I will try the other options. have a great weekend.
This is a really good question. I am not sure if it is against code or not... I really ought to know... but I would not run the ethernet cables in the same conduit either. Depending on what you plug in to the wall outlet depends on the amount of "noise" that is generated.
Heaters and fans are particularly bad for electrical noise. I am sure there are other items that are bad as well but these are more common in the work place and drive the computer geeks crazy.
tkrussell
May 21, 2009, 05:37 AM
I answered this question here:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electrical-lighting/specific-codes-conduits-356126.html
Listing the exact specific codes that dictate that data lines cannot be pulled in with power lines.
Also review the standards created for the communcations industry:
TIA/EIA-568-B - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIA-568B)